LIMA, Ohio — The Lima City Council is stepping in to help families impacted by the ongoing federal government shutdown and cuts to food assistance benefits.
Lima City Council has launched a community food drive to support local families in need. Collection bins are now open in the lobby of the Lima Municipal Building at 50 Town Square through Nov. 21. All donations will go directly to the West Ohio Food Bank, which is reporting a sharp rise in demand. The drive follows the city’s Stronger Together Fund, which was launched last week to help families facing food insecurity amid the shutdown.
“Every can, every box, every bag of donated food will make a difference and can make a difference. So together, we are united together, and we make the difference in making sure that no one in our community, not one of our neighbors, goes a week with empty cupboards, empty cabinets, empty foods, and no one goes to sleep with an empty stomach,” said Council President Jamie Dixon.
You can drop off nonperishable food items at the Lima Municipal Building, located at 50 Town Square, now through Nov. 21.
November 5, 2025, Press Release from Lima City Council:
LIMA, OH — In response to the ongoing federal government shutdown that began on October 1, and the recent announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients will receive only partial benefits for the month of November, Lima City Council is taking action to support local families facing food insecurity.
Following Mayor Smith’s launch of the Stronger Together Fund last week, Lima City Council is introducing an additional way for the community to help, the Council Food Drive.
Community members are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items to help provide relief to neighbors who may lose a portion of their grocery budgets this month. Collection bins are located in the lobby of the Lima Municipal Building at 50 Town Square, starting today November 5- November 21.
All donations collected through the Council Food Drive will be given directly to the West Ohio Food Bank, which will distribute food to families and partner agencies throughout the region.
“Together, we can make a difference in making sure that no one in our community, or any of our neighbors, goes through their week with an empty cupboard, table, or stomach,” said Council President Jamie L. Dixon. “Now more than ever, Lima must stand united to care for one another.”
Lima City Council invites residents, local businesses, and community organizations to participate in the Council Food Drive and join the effort to ensure that every household in Lima has access to nutritious food during this challenging time.
About Lima City Council: Lima City Council is dedicated to serving the people of Lima through leadership, collaboration, and community engagement. The Council works to build a stronger, more connected city where every resident can thrive.
For more information about the Council Food Drive, please contact the Office of Lima City Council at (419) 221-5218.
How to Give
Donate online: Click Here
Or by mail:
Stronger Together Fund
c/o Lima Community Foundation
PO Box 1086, Lima, OH 45802-1086
Volunteer & Host Sites
Volunteers needed to assist with food distribution
Churches, schools & civic spaces invited to host distribution sites
To sign up:
West Ohio Food Bank www.westohiofoodbank.org or call 419-222-7946
How Families Can Receive Support
Call United Way 2-1-1for food assistance and resource referrals.
About the Stronger Together Fund
The Stronger Together Fund is Lima's community-powered response fund designed to support residents through crisis and need. While structured to serve future emergencies, all donations made in 2025 will support the West Ohio Food Bank in feeding families affected by the federal shutdown and temporary pause in SNAP benefits. The Fund is hosted by the Lima Community Foundation and powered by community generosity.
